Students at Wartburg College achieve earnings outcomes that place the institution well above average nationally, particularly benefiting from strong career preparation and alumni networks.
The college's combination of solid financial returns and excellent loan repayment performance demonstrates its effectiveness in preparing graduates for stable, middle-class careers.
Wartburg College is a small private liberal arts institution in Waverly, Iowa, that delivers above-average long-term financial outcomes despite its modest size and regional focus. With graduates earning a median of $56,201 ten years after enrollment, the college ranks in the 76th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes among similar institutions. This performance reflects Wartburg's strength in practical fields like business, education, and pre-professional programs that connect directly to stable career paths.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Wartburg serves a more traditional student population—about 21% receive Pell Grants and 17% are first-generation—but delivers strong results for the students it enrolls. The college's 67% six-year graduation rate and solid earnings outcomes demonstrate its ability to support students through degree completion and into meaningful careers.
What sets Wartburg apart is its combination of liberal arts breadth with career-focused programs. Business graduates, the college's largest and highest-return program, earn competitive salaries while benefiting from the personalized attention and alumni networks that define the small college experience. For families seeking a traditional liberal arts education with practical career outcomes, Wartburg offers a compelling balance of academic quality and financial return.
Wartburg College's program portfolio reflects its mission as a career-focused liberal arts institution serving Iowa and the broader Midwest. Business/Commerce leads both in enrollment and financial outcomes, with 49 graduates earning competitive salaries that drive the college's overall strong return metrics. This program benefits from Wartburg's extensive alumni network in regional business communities and hands-on learning opportunities.
Biology represents the college's largest program with 41 graduates, though early-career earnings around $30,771 reflect the reality that many biology majors pursue graduate school or entry-level positions in healthcare and research. Agricultural Teacher Education, with 28 graduates earning $41,193, showcases Wartburg's commitment to preparing educators for Iowa's agricultural communities, where teaching positions offer stable middle-class incomes and strong job security.
As a focused liberal arts college, Wartburg graduates a selective cohort each year, creating concentrated network strength within key industries and geographic regions. This smaller scale allows for personalized career guidance and mentorship that helps explain the college's above-average earnings outcomes despite its modest size.
Wartburg College graduates achieve solid long-term earnings that place the institution well above average nationally. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $56,201, ranking in the 76th percentile among similar institutions. This performance reflects the college's focus on career-oriented programs and strong alumni networks that help graduates transition successfully into the workforce.
Business stands out as Wartburg's strongest program both in scale and financial outcomes. With 49 graduates earning a median of $47,595, Business/Commerce represents the college's highest aggregate return program, combining substantial enrollment with competitive pay. Biology, the college's largest program with 41 graduates, leads to more modest early-career earnings around $30,771, typical for students pursuing graduate school or entry-level positions in healthcare and research. Agricultural Teacher Education, with 28 graduates earning $41,193, demonstrates Wartburg's strength in preparing educators for Iowa's agricultural communities, where teaching positions offer stable, middle-class incomes.
Wartburg College maintains relatively accessible pricing for a private liberal arts institution, though costs vary significantly by family income. Low-income students pay about $16,146 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net prices around $19,521, and higher-income families pay approximately $26,429. These figures place Wartburg in the 40th percentile nationally for affordability, indicating moderate pricing compared with similar private colleges.
The college's financial aid approach emphasizes need-based support, helping to keep costs manageable for families across income levels. Most students graduate with federal loan debt averaging $27,000, a typical level for private liberal arts colleges. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $21,184, reflecting the reality that many families contribute directly to college costs through parent loans. The college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully given their post-graduation earnings.
Wartburg College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
